Introduction: A journey born of pain and frustration
Three days after excision surgery for endometriosis in Athens, I lie on an Airbnb couch, achey yet elated. The pain that once ruled my days is dramatically reduced, and the transformation feels almost miraculous.
The system that let me down
In Ireland, estimates place 155,000 women with endometriosis, yet many report delays, misdiagnoses and little access to specialists. My own experiences echo this: A and E visits where I was told to stop Googling, a public gynaecology waiting list stretching ten months, and no urology appointment in sight.
Seeking care abroad: the decision to travel
Desperation pushed me to explore options beyond Ireland. I connected with endometriosis groups at conferences and, with the backing of my GP, arranged treatment under the EU Cross Border Directive. Athens became the chosen destination, and the plan soon felt both terrifying and necessary.
In Athens: a consult that changed everything
Across a series of emails, I learned about Dr Konstantinos Kyriakopoulos, an endometriosis specialist who would guide my care. In the consultation I underwent an ultrasound, reviewed consent forms, and discussed potential decisions should the disease be found in the bowel or appendix. The surgeon s transparency was clear, compassionate and patient centered, making me feel in control for the first time in a long, exhausting journey.
Surgery day and what was found
Early one morning I checked in for a procedure that was performed as planned. The surgeon explained the extent of the disease upon waking me: my bladder and uterus were fused; ovaries were beginning to adhere to the pelvic wall; and the ureters were tethered to the abdominal wall. It was a revelation, a mystery unraveled after years of normal tests and lingering questions.
The road to recovery and a new reality
Three days post-surgery I feel tender and stiff but wonderfully relieved. The inflammation is receding, and the pain that had defined my life is finally quieting. Though the condition is chronic and I have a long healing road ahead, the surgery has granted me a new lease on life, and the care I received in Athens has been a beacon of hope for many Irish patients watching from home.
A broader message: what needs to change in Ireland
My story is not unique. It highlights systemic gaps in Ireland s approach to endometriosis care — delays, misdiagnoses, and a lack of access to specialists. While the Cross Border Directive provided a pathway for treatment abroad, the need remains for timely, compassionate, and expert care closer to home. I hope the experience in Athens can spark a conversation about improving Ireland s health system so other women do not have to travel far for relief.
Looking forward
As I prepare to fly home to Dublin with two other Irish women who shared the journey, I carry a message of gratitude and a call for change. Endometriosis is not simply a medical puzzle but a lived reality for thousands. With better access, early diagnosis, and dedicated care, Ireland can offer the same hope to all who need it.
